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Definitions

official

[uh-fish-uhl] / əˈfɪʃ əl /
ADJECTIVE
authorized, legitimate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
authoritative conclusive definite fitting formal precise proper valid
STRONG
cathedral okay positive real true
WEAK
accredited approved authentic authenticated bona fide canonical ceremonious certified cleared correct customary decided decisive endorsed established ex cathedra ex officio legitimate licensed ordered orthodox recognized rightful sanctioned suitable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
imprecise improper incorrect indefinite inexact unacceptable unsuitable
STRONG
dishonest false invalid
WEAK
unauthorized unofficial unsanctioned
NOUN
person representing organization
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administrator agent bureaucrat civil servant commissioner director executive leader manager minister officer representative secretary
STRONG
CEO President boss brains brass chancellor comptroller dignitary exec functionary governor higher-up incumbent magistrate marshal mayor officeholder panjandrum premier top treasurer
WEAK
big shot front office head person top brass top dog
Antonyms
STRONGEST
employee

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Brundage recently got a text message from a federal official on the case.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Earlier this week, the official measure of services activity returned to expansion in March.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

"We expect the lion's share of the world's patented pharmaceuticals to be building in America," the official said.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

"We are grateful for his service, but it was time for a leadership change in the Army," an unnamed senior defence official told CBS.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

At a Moscow party, an American embassy official slipped the passport to Penkovsky—he’d need it if it became necessary to make a sudden run for the border.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.